Shipping parcels to Australia from New Zealand is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth delivery. We provide a basic breakdown on how to navigate the various customs’ rules and regulations regarding the shipping of goods from New Zealand to Australia.
Prohibited or restricted goods in Australia
The most important factor to consider when shipping goods to Australia from NZ is whether they are prohibited or restricted.
Prohibited items in Australia include:
Animals and plants;
Asbestos;
Certain consumer products;
Defence and strategic goods;
Drugs;
Medicines and therapeutic substances;
Firearms;
Hazardous goods;
Intellectual property and cultural items;
Tobacco, and
Weapons
However, certain goods such as tobacco can be imported with written permission. Your receiver in Australia will need to produce a permit or approval in order for Australia’s border officers to release the prohibited or restricted goods.
For companies shipping liquid products, it is also important to take note of the strict requirements when it comes to international liquid shipping.
Australian duties, taxes, tariffs, and exemptions
Other than being aware of the list of prohibited and restricted items, the shipper must be familiar with the various duties, taxes, tariffs, and exemptions that may apply when exporting items to Australia from New Zealand.
Duties: Typically levied on imported goods based on the value of the item.
Taxes: Imposed on certain items based on their weight or volume.
Tariffs: Also applied to certain items.
Free Trade Agreements and partnerships between Australia and New Zealand
Before going into details on the various Australian customs fees that may have to be paid, it is important to note that New Zealand and Australia are currently in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) known as the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).
The AANZFTA provides tariff and cost reductions for all parties involved. All tariffs pertaining to imported goods are free, with a list of exceptions that mostly include tobacco, alcohol, and gasoline. However, the Australian Border Force (ABF) does still apply an import processing charge on goods worth more than AU$1,000 as well as the Goods Service Tax (GST) on imported goods.
